BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Eleven Kansas young Democrats are at the Democratic National Convention filled with “energy and joy,” ready to officially nominate Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for the party’s presidential ticket, Kansas delegate Jae Moyer said.&nbsp;

The 11 are excited about “the history we’re going to make by electing Kamala Harris for president,” said Moyer, who has also written opinion columns for Kansas Reflector. Moyer said they’re seeing energy similar to that of August 2022 — when an anti-abortion amendment was on the ballot. Kansans showed up in record numbers to defeat the amendment&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/02/kansas-voters-defeat-abortion-amendment-in-unexpected-landslide-1/">in a landslide</a>.&nbsp;

Reed Krewson, a Kansas delegate at the DNC, notes that more young people in Kansas voted on the August 2022 anti-abortion amendment than in the 2020 general election. Harris has made reproductive freedom a key talking point in her campaign, and Krewson hopes the young people who voted for reproductive rights in 2022 but not in the 2020 general election recognize Harris’ dedication to codifying Roe v. Wade.&nbsp;

Gov. Laura Kelly, who spoke to the Kansas delegates Wednesday, has also supported abortion rights. Kelly gave her full endorsement to Harris — which Krewson sees as a contrast to the governor’s 2022 campaign running as a more independent Democrat — encouraging local-level politicians to “run with her, not against her.” Krewson believes that local Kansas Democrats can ride the coattails of the presidential election.&nbsp;

“There has been a lot of energy and joy. People have been volunteering not just for Kamala but also for state and local elections,” Moyer said. “It’s been important for us to break the Republican supermajority.”&nbsp;

Breaking the Kansas Republican supermajority in the state Legislature has been a goal of young Kansas Democrats since President Biden was the probable 2024 democratic nominee. The delegates began their candidacy to represent the state in January. Krewson said the DNC had a goal of making the delegates look like America.&nbsp;

“We wanted to make sure we met those goals, which was 1/3rd of our delegation to be young people,” Krewson said.&nbsp; “And we do have 11 young Dems in our delegation, which is historic.”

Harris advocates for policies that Krewson believes are important to young Kansans. One of those is her housing plan, which was released three days before the DNC. It would lower the costs of renting or owning a home, with the standout feature being the construction of 3 million new housing units in the next four years.&nbsp;

“It’s really refreshing to see a candidate talk about it, especially something so transformative on the 3 million housing units she’s proposing,” Krewson said. “Housing is a really difficult and hard thing for young people, and that’s a major way to generate wealth.”&nbsp;

Krewson grew up in Johnson County, home of the new&nbsp;<a href="https://na.panasonic.com/news/panasonic-energy-breaks-ground-on-ev-battery-factory-in-kansas" target="_blank">Panasonic plant</a>. Krewson said he was excited to nominate Biden because of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/08/09/fact-sheet-chips-and-science-act-will-lower-costs-create-jobs-strengthen-supply-chains-and-counter-china/" target="_blank">CHIPS and Science Act,</a>&nbsp;which will directly impact Johnson County with economic growth from the Panasonic plant. He hopes that Harris will continue the president’s work on the act. Krewson sees the intersection of the two as something that “will transform Johnson County for the duration of my lifetime.”&nbsp;

Krewson believes there was an incumbency bias towards Biden. He saw subjects like inflation and war in the Middle East were “unfairly tied” to Biden and “the optics were not great.”&nbsp;

He believes that younger people can relate to Harris as a candidate, seeing her as a fresh alternative to the legacy of Biden’s presidency.&nbsp;

“I’m really excited that Kamla is changing the narrative, changing the optics,” Krewson said.&nbsp;

Both sides agree that the Gen Z turnout in Kansas will be higher than it was in 2022.&nbsp;

Alex Dwyer, president of Kansas Young Republicans,&nbsp; points to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/elections/2022/midterm-results/voter-analysis?year=2022&amp;state=KS&amp;race=G" target="_blank">Fox News poll</a>&nbsp;that indicated Gen Z leaned Republican in 2022. He believes that trend will continue, and that Gen Z will vote for former President Donald Trump in Kansas.&nbsp;

Moyer wants to challenge the norm that Kansas is a red state. They believe that with the grassroots, door-to-door work the Kansas Young Democrats are doing, there’s a chance Kansas goes blue.&nbsp;

In “2020, young voters turned out at historic levels, and that tipped the scale for the election,” Moyer said. “And we’re going to see the same thing in supporting Kamala Harris and Tim Wallz this year.”&nbsp;

In her Wednesday speech to the delegates, Kelly said “there’s not a 0% chance” Kansas goes blue. Krewson points to Johnson County, where 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney won by a large margin, Trump won by a smaller margin in 2016, and Biden won by a large margin in 2021.&nbsp;

“I think that would be such a deafening win,” Krewson said. “Which I think we might need, with Donald Trump’s record of trying to steal elections, trying to create misinformation and distort election results, I think that would be the nail in the coffin for the MAGA movement.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724347560221.png" alt=" Reed Krewson, a Democratic National Convention delegate is one of 11 young Kansas delegates at the 2024 DNC. (Submitted by Reed Krewson)" />
 <figcaption> Reed Krewson, a Democratic National Convention delegate is one of 11 young Kansas delegates at the 2024 DNC. (Submitted by Reed Krewson)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Eleven Kansas young Democrats are at the Democratic National Convention filled with “energy and joy,” ready to officially nominate Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for the party’s presidential ticket, Kansas delegate Jae Moyer said.&nbsp;The 11 are excited about “the history we’re going to make by electing Kamala Harris for president,” said Moyer, who has also written opinion columns for Kansas Reflector. Moyer said they’re seeing energy similar to that of August 2022 — when an anti-abortion amendment was on the ballot. Kansans showed up in record numbers to defeat the amendment&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/02/kansas-voters-defeat-abortion-amendment-in-unexpected-landslide-1/">in a landslide</a>.&nbsp;Reed Krewson, a Kansas delegate at the DNC, notes that more young people in Kansas voted on the August 2022 anti-abortion amendment than in the 2020 general election. Harris has made reproductive freedom a key talking point in her campaign, and Krewson hopes the young people who voted for reproductive rights in 2022 but not in the 2020 general election recognize Harris’ dedication to codifying Roe v. Wade.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724347511920.png" alt=" Allie Utley and Jae Moyer celebrate at the Kansans for Constitutional Freedom watch party after Kansans vote to keep abortion a constitutional right on Tuesday. (Lily O’Shea Becker/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Allie Utley and Jae Moyer celebrate at the Kansans for Constitutional Freedom watch party after Kansans vote to keep abortion a constitutional right on Tuesday. (Lily O’Shea Becker/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Gov. Laura Kelly, who spoke to the Kansas delegates Wednesday, has also supported abortion rights. Kelly gave her full endorsement to Harris — which Krewson sees as a contrast to the governor’s 2022 campaign running as a more independent Democrat — encouraging local-level politicians to “run with her, not against her.” Krewson believes that local Kansas Democrats can ride the coattails of the presidential election.&nbsp;“There has been a lot of energy and joy. People have been volunteering not just for Kamala but also for state and local elections,” Moyer said. “It’s been important for us to break the Republican supermajority.”&nbsp;Breaking the Kansas Republican supermajority in the state Legislature has been a goal of young Kansas Democrats since President Biden was the probable 2024 democratic nominee. The delegates began their candidacy to represent the state in January. Krewson said the DNC had a goal of making the delegates look like America.&nbsp;“We wanted to make sure we met those goals, which was 1/3rd of our delegation to be young people,” Krewson said.&nbsp; “And we do have 11 young Dems in our delegation, which is historic.”Harris advocates for policies that Krewson believes are important to young Kansans. One of those is her housing plan, which was released three days before the DNC. It would lower the costs of renting or owning a home, with the standout feature being the construction of 3 million new housing units in the next four years.&nbsp;“It’s really refreshing to see a candidate talk about it, especially something so transformative on the 3 million housing units she’s proposing,” Krewson said. “Housing is a really difficult and hard thing for young people, and that’s a major way to generate wealth.”&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724347474544.png" alt=" Kansas won a competition for a $4 billion Panasonic Corp. vehicle battery manufacturing facility to be built at the old Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant at De Soto. The battery plant is expected to create 4,000 jobs and have an annual economic impact on the state of $2.5 billion. (Lily O’Shea Becker/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas won a competition for a $4 billion Panasonic Corp. vehicle battery manufacturing facility to be built at the old Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant at De Soto. The battery plant is expected to create 4,000 jobs and have an annual economic impact on the state of $2.5 billion. (Lily O’Shea Becker/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Krewson grew up in Johnson County, home of the new&nbsp;<a href="https://na.panasonic.com/news/panasonic-energy-breaks-ground-on-ev-battery-factory-in-kansas" target="_blank">Panasonic plant</a>. Krewson said he was excited to nominate Biden because of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/08/09/fact-sheet-chips-and-science-act-will-lower-costs-create-jobs-strengthen-supply-chains-and-counter-china/" target="_blank">CHIPS and Science Act,</a>&nbsp;which will directly impact Johnson County with economic growth from the Panasonic plant. He hopes that Harris will continue the president’s work on the act. Krewson sees the intersection of the two as something that “will transform Johnson County for the duration of my lifetime.”&nbsp;Krewson believes there was an incumbency bias towards Biden. He saw subjects like inflation and war in the Middle East were “unfairly tied” to Biden and “the optics were not great.”&nbsp;He believes that younger people can relate to Harris as a candidate, seeing her as a fresh alternative to the legacy of Biden’s presidency.&nbsp;“I’m really excited that Kamla is changing the narrative, changing the optics,” Krewson said.&nbsp;Both sides agree that the Gen Z turnout in Kansas will be higher than it was in 2022.&nbsp;Alex Dwyer, president of Kansas Young Republicans,&nbsp; points to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/elections/2022/midterm-results/voter-analysis?year=2022&amp;state=KS&amp;race=G" target="_blank">Fox News poll</a>&nbsp;that indicated Gen Z leaned Republican in 2022. He believes that trend will continue, and that Gen Z will vote for former President Donald Trump in Kansas.&nbsp;Moyer wants to challenge the norm that Kansas is a red state. They believe that with the grassroots, door-to-door work the Kansas Young Democrats are doing, there’s a chance Kansas goes blue.&nbsp;In “2020, young voters turned out at historic levels, and that tipped the scale for the election,” Moyer said. “And we’re going to see the same thing in supporting Kamala Harris and Tim Wallz this year.”&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724328694166.png" alt=" Kansas Gov. and DGA chairwoman Laura Kelly during a Democratic Women Governors panel with Julia Louis-Dreyfus on Aug. 21, 2024, at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago (Ariana Figueroa/States Newsroom)." />
 <figcaption> Kansas Gov. and DGA chairwoman Laura Kelly during a Democratic Women Governors panel with Julia Louis-Dreyfus on Aug. 21, 2024, at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago (Ariana Figueroa/States Newsroom).</figcaption>
 </figure>In her Wednesday speech to the delegates, Kelly said “there’s not a 0% chance” Kansas goes blue. Krewson points to Johnson County, where 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney won by a large margin, Trump won by a smaller margin in 2016, and Biden won by a large margin in 2021.&nbsp;“I think that would be such a deafening win,” Krewson said. “Which I think we might need, with Donald Trump’s record of trying to steal elections, trying to create misinformation and distort election results, I think that would be the nail in the coffin for the MAGA movement.”

Kansas young Democrats rally for Harris at DNC

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A Kansas school district investigated an incident in which an elementary school principal invited a missionary to pass out Bibles at recess, the superintendent said in a statement Wednesday.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/08/20/kansas-school-principal-who-helped-hand-out-bibles-to-students-violated-constitution-aclu-says/">sent a letter Monday</a>&nbsp;to Katie Struebing, principal of East Elementary School in the roughly 2,000-person city of Belleville, asserting that the school violated the First Amendment.

Struebing recruited a member of the evangelical Christian organization Gideons International, Ben Dreesen, to hand out Bibles to students during their recess on May 7, according to the letter, which was penned by Monica Bennett, ACLU of Kansas legal director.

The Republic County school district conducted a “thorough investigation” this summer, the district’s superintendent, Tami Knedler, said in an emailed statement Wednesday. Knedler declined to comment on the employees involved or the details of the investigation.

“I can assure you that our district is committed to welcoming all religious viewpoints, not promoting any specific one,” Knedler said. “We continue to review our practices and policies to ensure they reflect this commitment.”

Struebing allowed Dreesen on school grounds and helped him hand out Bibles to students, which lent “credibility and authority” to Dreesen, “in effect placing a stamp of approval on his message and subjecting students to a religiously coercive atmosphere,” Bennett wrote in the letter.

Ahead of Dreesen’s visit, Struebing also informed teachers and students of the “nice man” who would be handing out Bibles. A student’s parents reported the visit to the Kansas ACLU.

In the letter, Bennett said that the school violated the First Amendment in addition to the district’s own policies against promoting religious viewpoints.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724347898235.png" alt="Photo courtesy Gideons International " />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Gideons International </figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a> TOPEKA — A Kansas school district investigated an incident in which an elementary school principal invited a missionary to pass out Bibles at recess, the superintendent said in a statement Wednesday.The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/08/20/kansas-school-principal-who-helped-hand-out-bibles-to-students-violated-constitution-aclu-says/">sent a letter Monday</a>&nbsp;to Katie Struebing, principal of East Elementary School in the roughly 2,000-person city of Belleville, asserting that the school violated the First Amendment.Struebing recruited a member of the evangelical Christian organization Gideons International, Ben Dreesen, to hand out Bibles to students during their recess on May 7, according to the letter, which was penned by Monica Bennett, ACLU of Kansas legal director.The Republic County school district conducted a “thorough investigation” this summer, the district’s superintendent, Tami Knedler, said in an emailed statement Wednesday. Knedler declined to comment on the employees involved or the details of the investigation.“I can assure you that our district is committed to welcoming all religious viewpoints, not promoting any specific one,” Knedler said. “We continue to review our practices and policies to ensure they reflect this commitment.”Struebing allowed Dreesen on school grounds and helped him hand out Bibles to students, which lent “credibility and authority” to Dreesen, “in effect placing a stamp of approval on his message and subjecting students to a religiously coercive atmosphere,” Bennett wrote in the letter.Ahead of Dreesen’s visit, Struebing also informed teachers and students of the “nice man” who would be handing out Bibles. A student’s parents reported the visit to the Kansas ACLU.In the letter, Bennett said that the school violated the First Amendment in addition to the district’s own policies against promoting religious viewpoints.

Kansas school district investigated missionary’s visit to hand out Bibles to students

The Department of Mental Health said the number of people waiting in jail to be transferred to psychiatric hospitals will continue to rise because inpatient beds are at capacity

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>

The number of people languishing in Missouri jails in need of court-ordered mental health treatment currently stands at 344 — and the wait time for a hospital bed averages one year.&nbsp;

That’s up from 254 people this time last year, according to Missouri Department of Mental Health data provided to The Independent. A&nbsp;spokeswoman for the department said that because the agency’s inpatient beds are at capacity, the number of people waiting in jails for treatment will continue to rise.

Debra Walker, the department’s spokeswoman, said February was the first month the number of individuals waiting ever exceeded 300.

None of the people on the waitlist have been convicted of a crime. They were arrested, found incompetent to stand trial and ordered by the court into mental health treatment,&nbsp;designed to allow them to stand trial, a process called competency restoration that generally includes therapy and medication.&nbsp;

“We do want to increase the number of individuals who are getting competency restoration,” said Jeanette Simmons, deputy division director of the Missouri Department of Mental Health’s Division of Behavioral Health, during a mental health commission meeting earlier this month.&nbsp;“We have a growing number of individuals who are waiting for those services.”

Missouri has faced a years-long struggle with this issue, due to increasing numbers of court referrals for competency restoration, staffing issues and limited psychiatric hospital capacity. It’s worsened over the last year.

The legislature appropriated $300 million this year for Department of Mental Health to open a new hospital in Kansas City, but it could be around five&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/12/12/285-missourians-waiting-in-jails-to-be-moved-to-hospitals-for-mental-health-services/">years</a>&nbsp;before construction is complete.

State officials are also working to implement the “jail-based competency restoration” program approved by the legislature this year in response to the issue.&nbsp;This year’s budget set aside $2.5 million for the jail-based competency programs to be established in jails in St. Louis, St. Louis County, Jackson County, Clay County and Greene County.

Services in jail-based competency restoration will include room and board, along with medical care for 10 slots at each jail, contracted staff from a local behavioral health organization, and psychiatric care from “mobile team practitioners.”

The department is currently training two agencies in Kansas City that will be going into county jails to provide jail-based treatment. Clay County has a “tentative go live date” for September, Simmons said.

“So we're really looking forward to that and getting that launched, because we do believe that it's going to take a multifaceted approach to target those numbers,” she said.

Simmons said the agency has mobile teams of doctors going into county jails prescribing medications “to try and get folks started on those medications that they need to stabilize their mental illness.” The department is working with community behavioral health liaisons as well as jail mental health or medical staff, she said, to get people services.

The Department of Mental Health is also working on trying to get information to the courts about outpatient restoration, for those who can be safely treated in the community and don't require hospital-level care.&nbsp;A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/23info/pdf-bill/tat/SB106.pdf" target="_blank">law</a>&nbsp;passed this year gives the agency the authority to treat certain arrested people on an outpatient basis.

“Sometimes I think the courts don’t really consider that as an option,” Simmons said of outpatient treatment. “It’s something very new.”

In other states, including some bordering Missouri, lawsuits have been filed over similar wait times, alleging they violate individuals’ rights to due process and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

A federal lawsuit filed last year in Oklahoma&nbsp;<a href="https://oklahomawatch.org/2023/03/01/oklahomans-languish-in-jail-awaiting-mental-health-care-federal-lawsuit-claims/" target="_blank">alleged</a>&nbsp;jails are holding patients for three months to one year. A&nbsp;<a href="https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/oag/documents/news-documents/2024/june/Joint%20Motion.pdf" target="_blank">proposed settlement</a>&nbsp;set a benchmark of a 60 day maximum wait and ultimately a goal of 21 days, but it has faced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/how-a-political-fight-is-delaying-timely-mental-health-treatment-in-oklahomas-jails" target="_blank">opposition</a>&nbsp;from the governor.

A lawsuit filed in Kansas in 2022&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aclukansas.org/en/press-releases/aclu-kansas-sues-over-unconstitutionally-long-wait-times-competency-evaluations-and" target="_blank">alleged</a>&nbsp;that individuals are detained for longer waiting for a psychiatric bed than they would be if they had been convicted. Many of the charges are for low-level crimes, national&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2019/12/when-mental-illness-becomes-jail-sentence/603154/" target="_blank">investigations</a>&nbsp;have found.

County sheriffs and jail administrators in Missouri have raised the alarm about challenges caring for individuals who are being detained pretrial. And state officials have acknowledged the long waits contribute to mental deterioration.

The Missouri Sheriffs’ Association recently published an issue of their&nbsp;<a href="https://mosheriffs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Misssouri-Jails-Magazine-0624.pdf" target="_blank">‘Missouri Jails’ magazine</a>&nbsp;focused on managing mental health challenges in county jails, which shared several examples of local issues, including that one county spent $30,000 to provide around-the-clock guarding over a suspect for two months, because the secure medical centers didn’t have any openings.

Some county sheriffs are looking to build or expand jails to combat the issue, according to the magazine, including by increasing the number of solitary cells to keep those with mental health diagnoses out of the general population. Others have contracted with private health provider&nbsp;<a href="https://www.themarshallproject.org/2024/07/30/oklahoma-jail-turn-key-health-deaths" target="_blank">Turn Key Health</a>&nbsp;Clinics to provide increased mental health care while people are awaiting transfer.&nbsp;

“As mental health professionals and legislators struggle to find solutions to the crisis,” magazine contributor Michael Feeback wrote, “sheriffs and other agencies are looking for answers on their own.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724349973891.png" alt=" Missouri's Department of Mental Health building in Jefferson City (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Missouri's Department of Mental Health building in Jefferson City (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The Department of Mental Health said the number of people waiting in jail to be transferred to psychiatric hospitals will continue to rise because inpatient beds are at capacity</h2>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>The number of people languishing in Missouri jails in need of court-ordered mental health treatment currently stands at 344 — and the wait time for a hospital bed averages one year.&nbsp;That’s up from 254 people this time last year, according to Missouri Department of Mental Health data provided to The Independent. A&nbsp;spokeswoman for the department said that because the agency’s inpatient beds are at capacity, the number of people waiting in jails for treatment will continue to rise.Debra Walker, the department’s spokeswoman, said February was the first month the number of individuals waiting ever exceeded 300.None of the people on the waitlist have been convicted of a crime. They were arrested, found incompetent to stand trial and ordered by the court into mental health treatment,&nbsp;designed to allow them to stand trial, a process called competency restoration that generally includes therapy and medication.&nbsp;“We do want to increase the number of individuals who are getting competency restoration,” said Jeanette Simmons, deputy division director of the Missouri Department of Mental Health’s Division of Behavioral Health, during a mental health commission meeting earlier this month.&nbsp;“We have a growing number of individuals who are waiting for those services.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724349935850.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Missouri has faced a years-long struggle with this issue, due to increasing numbers of court referrals for competency restoration, staffing issues and limited psychiatric hospital capacity. It’s worsened over the last year.The legislature appropriated $300 million this year for Department of Mental Health to open a new hospital in Kansas City, but it could be around five&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/12/12/285-missourians-waiting-in-jails-to-be-moved-to-hospitals-for-mental-health-services/">years</a>&nbsp;before construction is complete.State officials are also working to implement the “jail-based competency restoration” program approved by the legislature this year in response to the issue.&nbsp;This year’s budget set aside $2.5 million for the jail-based competency programs to be established in jails in St. Louis, St. Louis County, Jackson County, Clay County and Greene County.Services in jail-based competency restoration will include room and board, along with medical care for 10 slots at each jail, contracted staff from a local behavioral health organization, and psychiatric care from “mobile team practitioners.”The department is currently training two agencies in Kansas City that will be going into county jails to provide jail-based treatment. Clay County has a “tentative go live date” for September, Simmons said.“So we're really looking forward to that and getting that launched, because we do believe that it's going to take a multifaceted approach to target those numbers,” she said.Simmons said the agency has mobile teams of doctors going into county jails prescribing medications “to try and get folks started on those medications that they need to stabilize their mental illness.” The department is working with community behavioral health liaisons as well as jail mental health or medical staff, she said, to get people services.The Department of Mental Health is also working on trying to get information to the courts about outpatient restoration, for those who can be safely treated in the community and don't require hospital-level care.&nbsp;A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/23info/pdf-bill/tat/SB106.pdf" target="_blank">law</a>&nbsp;passed this year gives the agency the authority to treat certain arrested people on an outpatient basis.“Sometimes I think the courts don’t really consider that as an option,” Simmons said of outpatient treatment. “It’s something very new.”In other states, including some bordering Missouri, lawsuits have been filed over similar wait times, alleging they violate individuals’ rights to due process and the Americans with Disabilities Act.A federal lawsuit filed last year in Oklahoma&nbsp;<a href="https://oklahomawatch.org/2023/03/01/oklahomans-languish-in-jail-awaiting-mental-health-care-federal-lawsuit-claims/" target="_blank">alleged</a>&nbsp;jails are holding patients for three months to one year. A&nbsp;<a href="https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/oag/documents/news-documents/2024/june/Joint%20Motion.pdf" target="_blank">proposed settlement</a>&nbsp;set a benchmark of a 60 day maximum wait and ultimately a goal of 21 days, but it has faced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/how-a-political-fight-is-delaying-timely-mental-health-treatment-in-oklahomas-jails" target="_blank">opposition</a>&nbsp;from the governor.A lawsuit filed in Kansas in 2022&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aclukansas.org/en/press-releases/aclu-kansas-sues-over-unconstitutionally-long-wait-times-competency-evaluations-and" target="_blank">alleged</a>&nbsp;that individuals are detained for longer waiting for a psychiatric bed than they would be if they had been convicted. Many of the charges are for low-level crimes, national&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2019/12/when-mental-illness-becomes-jail-sentence/603154/" target="_blank">investigations</a>&nbsp;have found.County sheriffs and jail administrators in Missouri have raised the alarm about challenges caring for individuals who are being detained pretrial. And state officials have acknowledged the long waits contribute to mental deterioration.The Missouri Sheriffs’ Association recently published an issue of their&nbsp;<a href="https://mosheriffs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Misssouri-Jails-Magazine-0624.pdf" target="_blank">‘Missouri Jails’ magazine</a>&nbsp;focused on managing mental health challenges in county jails, which shared several examples of local issues, including that one county spent $30,000 to provide around-the-clock guarding over a suspect for two months, because the secure medical centers didn’t have any openings.Some county sheriffs are looking to build or expand jails to combat the issue, according to the magazine, including by increasing the number of solitary cells to keep those with mental health diagnoses out of the general population. Others have contracted with private health provider&nbsp;<a href="https://www.themarshallproject.org/2024/07/30/oklahoma-jail-turn-key-health-deaths" target="_blank">Turn Key Health</a>&nbsp;Clinics to provide increased mental health care while people are awaiting transfer.&nbsp;“As mental health professionals and legislators struggle to find solutions to the crisis,” magazine contributor Michael Feeback wrote, “sheriffs and other agencies are looking for answers on their own.”&nbsp;

Missourians average 1 year in jail waiting for court-ordered mental health treatment

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating a fatal weekend accident involving a bicyclist have identified the victim as 44-year-old&nbsp;Shaunta Rodgers, according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Alayna Gonzalez.

Just before 1a.m. Sunday, a Honda Civic was northbound on Van Brunt Boulevard and stopped at the red traffic control signal at Truman Road, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. 

The light turned green and the Honda entered the intersection. A westbound BMW 535XI was traveling&nbsp; very high rate of speed. The BMW ran the red light and struck the Honda.

 The driver of the BMW lost control after the initial impact with the Honda. The vehicle traveled off the roadway to the left and struck a wooden utility pole, shearing it out of the ground.

 A pedestrian was walking in the bicycle lane, on the south side of Truman Road. The BMW struck the pedestrian as it was flipping.&nbsp; The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. The two occupants of the BMW ran from the scene, westbound on Truman Road. 

The driver of the Honda was not injured. The intersection lost power and Evergy responded to repair.&nbsp; Police have not reported the name of the victim or additional details.

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating a fatal weekend accident involving a bicyclist have identified the victim as 44-year-old&nbsp;Shaunta Rodgers, according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Alayna Gonzalez.Just before 1a.m. Sunday, a Honda Civic was northbound on Van Brunt Boulevard and stopped at the red traffic control signal at Truman Road, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. The light turned green and the Honda entered the intersection. A westbound BMW 535XI was traveling&nbsp; very high rate of speed. The BMW ran the red light and struck the Honda. The driver of the BMW lost control after the initial impact with the Honda. The vehicle traveled off the roadway to the left and struck a wooden utility pole, shearing it out of the ground. A pedestrian was walking in the bicycle lane, on the south side of Truman Road. The BMW struck the pedestrian as it was flipping.&nbsp; The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. The two occupants of the BMW ran from the scene, westbound on Truman Road. The driver of the Honda was not injured. The intersection lost power and Evergy responded to repair.&nbsp; Police have not reported the name of the victim or additional details.

KCPD IDs pedestrian killed when struck after car flipped in violent crash

DOUGLAS COUNTY –Investigators have determined the cause of fire on Monday at the&nbsp;at Brandon Woods senior living residence in Lawrence.

The origin of the fire was determined to be on the 3rd floor balcony deck and the fire extended into the attic of the structure. The cause of the fire was accidental due to improper discarding of smoking material, according to a media release from Lawrence Po.ice.

Forty-eight residential units have been reported as damaged. Approximately 8,200 square feet of roofs have been reported as damaged.&nbsp; Two of the unites are reported to have heavy damage by fire, smoke, and water. Five units have moderate damage by fire, smoke, and water and Five units have minimal damage by smoke and water

Just after noon Monday, crews&nbsp;responded to the fire at the senior living residence, 1501 Inverness Drive in Lawrence.

Multiple reports of heavy smoke and fire with flames were reported by residents and bystanders.

First responders arrived to find occupants being evacuated by facility staff and Lawrence Kansas Police Department.&nbsp;There was a large amount of dense smoke coming from the structure.

Fire was found in the attic and crews performed venting efforts upon arrival. Additional resources such as department chief officers, the mobile integrated health (MIH) team, and the logistics technician responded to the incident to assist with moving residents to designated safety spaces.

The fire was declared under control at 2:20 p.m. LDCFM crews will continue to perform fire watch on the building overnight.

Lawrence Douglas County Fire and Medical coordinated with the Lawrence Transit Department and LKPD to transport approximately 85 residents to Bella Sera Condominiums. The residents were connected to resources with the Red Cross and Douglas County Emergency Management to identify alternative housing options.

One LKPD officer was transported for smoke inhalation. No other injuries have been reported.

Resources through mutual aid were provided from Douglas County Consolidated Fire District No. 1, Olathe Fire Department, Overland Park Fire Department, and Johnson County MED-ACT. These resources assisted with additional coverage for the City of Lawrence and Douglas County during this incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724105638159.png" alt="Photos Lawrence Police Department" />
 <figcaption>Photos Lawrence Police Department</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY –Investigators have determined the cause of fire on Monday at the&nbsp;at Brandon Woods senior living residence in Lawrence.The origin of the fire was determined to be on the 3rd floor balcony deck and the fire extended into the attic of the structure. The cause of the fire was accidental due to improper discarding of smoking material, according to a media release from Lawrence Po.ice.Forty-eight residential units have been reported as damaged. Approximately 8,200 square feet of roofs have been reported as damaged.&nbsp; Two of the unites are reported to have heavy damage by fire, smoke, and water. Five units have moderate damage by fire, smoke, and water and Five units have minimal damage by smoke and waterJust after noon Monday, crews&nbsp;responded to the fire at the senior living residence, 1501 Inverness Drive in Lawrence.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FLawrenceKansasPolice%2Fvideos%2F1676278606560133%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=1" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Multiple reports of heavy smoke and fire with flames were reported by residents and bystanders.First responders arrived to find occupants being evacuated by facility staff and Lawrence Kansas Police Department.&nbsp;There was a large amount of dense smoke coming from the structure.Fire was found in the attic and crews performed venting efforts upon arrival. Additional resources such as department chief officers, the mobile integrated health (MIH) team, and the logistics technician responded to the incident to assist with moving residents to designated safety spaces.The fire was declared under control at 2:20 p.m. LDCFM crews will continue to perform fire watch on the building overnight.Lawrence Douglas County Fire and Medical coordinated with the Lawrence Transit Department and LKPD to transport approximately 85 residents to Bella Sera Condominiums. The residents were connected to resources with the Red Cross and Douglas County Emergency Management to identify alternative housing options.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724105670101.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>One LKPD officer was transported for smoke inhalation. No other injuries have been reported.Resources through mutual aid were provided from Douglas County Consolidated Fire District No. 1, Olathe Fire Department, Overland Park Fire Department, and Johnson County MED-ACT. These resources assisted with additional coverage for the City of Lawrence and Douglas County during this incident.

Investigators determine cause of fire at Kan. senior living residence

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating two suspects new allegations after a victim in the case died.

On Wednesday police reported 37-year-old&nbsp;Kyle E. Higgins of Topeka had died.

Just after 4 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a reported aggravated robbery of a vehicle near SW 29th and Macvicar Avenue in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.

It was reported that the vehicle was stolen by individuals who are known to the vehicle owner and a child was inside. The child was quickly located in the 3200 block of SW Central Park and was taken into police custody.

A short time later, officers located the stolen vehicle near SE 35th and Indiana in Topeka and initiated a traffic stop. The driver fled and initiated a short pursuit, which ended when the vehicle struck a pole near SE 29th and Minnesota where two suspects ran from the crash. Officers then located and took them into custody. Both individuals were transported to a local hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Around 8:30 a.m., police received the report of an unresponsive man, later identified as Higgins, in the 2200 block of SE 29th Street.&nbsp; He was transported to a local hospital where he died. Police investigators believe the two incidents are related.

As a result of the investigation, Lorenzo A. Pattmon III, 21, and Rammelo H. Boatwright, 24, both of Topeka, were arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department. Both are now are being held on updated requested&nbsp; charges that include murder, of Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Robbery and Aggravated Child Endangerment.

The incident is the city’s 13th homicide investigation of 2024.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724243340231.png" alt="Pattmon-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Pattmon-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating two suspects new allegations after a victim in the case died.On Wednesday police reported 37-year-old&nbsp;Kyle E. Higgins of Topeka had died.Just after 4 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a reported aggravated robbery of a vehicle near SW 29th and Macvicar Avenue in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.It was reported that the vehicle was stolen by individuals who are known to the vehicle owner and a child was inside. The child was quickly located in the 3200 block of SW Central Park and was taken into police custody.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724243427663.png" alt="Boatwright -photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Boatwright -photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>A short time later, officers located the stolen vehicle near SE 35th and Indiana in Topeka and initiated a traffic stop. The driver fled and initiated a short pursuit, which ended when the vehicle struck a pole near SE 29th and Minnesota where two suspects ran from the crash. Officers then located and took them into custody. Both individuals were transported to a local hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.Around 8:30 a.m., police received the report of an unresponsive man, later identified as Higgins, in the 2200 block of SE 29th Street.&nbsp; He was transported to a local hospital where he died. Police investigators believe the two incidents are related.As a result of the investigation, Lorenzo A. Pattmon III, 21, and Rammelo H. Boatwright, 24, both of Topeka, were arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department. Both are now are being held on updated requested&nbsp; charges that include murder, of Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Robbery and Aggravated Child Endangerment.The incident is the city’s 13th homicide investigation of 2024.&nbsp;

Kan. man connected to stolen vehicle with child inside has died

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>

CHICAGO — Actress and climate activist Julia Louis-Dreyfus asked eight Democratic women governors Wednesday if she would be ready for public office after playing a vice president and president on the hit cable TV show “Veep.”

“You’re more qualified than Donald Trump, don’t worry about it,” New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul quickly replied, to laughter in the packed room.

Louis-Dreyfus moderated a panel made up of the Democratic women governors at the Democratic National Convention. The political leaders in their roughly hour-long discussion touched on the unique benefits of being a woman in politics, and talked about how they are planning for potential interference and problems in the upcoming presidential elections.

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs said she’s working closely with the secretary of state and attorney general to ensure that Arizona’s electoral votes are cast and to prepare for “every single scenario that comes our way.”

“I think the challenges that we saw in 2020 are going to look like kindergarten compared to what we see now,” she said. “But we are ready.”

<a href="https://azmirror.com/2024/04/25/who-are-the-five-unindicted-co-conspirators-in-arizonas-fake-elector-criminal-case/" target="_blank">A grand jury indicted 18 people in a fake elector scheme</a>&nbsp;that aimed to install Donald Trump as president after he lost the state of Arizona in the 2020 election.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer faced a similar scenario, in which&nbsp;<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2024/05/28/exams-begin-for-next-group-of-people-charged-in-fake-electors-scheme/" target="_blank">six individuals now face felony charges</a>&nbsp;for submitting false electoral votes for Trump in 2020.

Whitmer said her state legislature has worked to pass legislation to protect election workers and make it easier for people to partake in early voting.

“We know that there are going to be all sorts of efforts” to influence the results, she said.

Louis-Dreyfus noted during Whitmer’s term she’s had to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, natural disasters and an attempted kidnapping and assassination plot.

“How do you stay afloat … under those circumstances?” she asked.

Whitmer said she keeps a gratitude journal and every day writes down three things that give her joy. She said sometimes the list stretches to 10 items, but other days it is not so long.

“Some days it is just my dog and my bed and tequila,” she said.

Louis-Dreyfus asked why it was important to support women down the ballot, and not just on the national level.

Hobbs said early support is important, and noted that’s how Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, got her start as a San Francisco district attorney in 2003.

“Down ballot races are critical,” Hobbs said.

Several of the governors agreed, noting that’s how they were able to enter politics, through their local elections.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said she got her start in the state legislature. Kotek was the longest-serving speaker in the Oregon House of Representatives and the first openly lesbian speaker, elected in 2013.

“When I became speaker, all the other leadership at the time was male, and you notice when you’re the only one in the room,” she said.

It’s an occurrence that Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey knows, noting last year she became the first woman and open member of the LGBTQ community elected governor in her state.

Whitmer said as a woman in politics, she was often underestimated, which she said she sees as a strength, rather than a limitation.

“There are a lot of different ways that we are treated as compared to male candidates, but I would also say that it is a huge advantage to be underestimated,” she said.

Kansas Gov. and Democratic Governors Association Chair Laura Kelly said she thinks the underestimation that women face in politics “will fade away over time.”

Whitmer nodded: “With President Harris, it will.”

Louis-Dreyfus, who is also a comedian and starred in “Seinfeld,” asked how humor can find a place in politics.

“I think humor is an effective tool when things are hot and tense,” New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said.

Louis-Dreyfus asked the governors why are Republicans “so f****** weird?”

Maine Governor Janet Mills laughed and said she knows Republicans in her state who are planning to vote for Harris because “they don’t have a place to go.”

“They’re not all weird,” she said. “They know the traditional (Republican) party is not about Trump.”

Louis-Dreyfus asked how the overturning of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision has affected abortion access in the governors’ states.

Since the conservative Supreme Court struck down the constitutional right to an abortion two years ago, Democrats have campaigned on it at the state and federal level. Reproductive right advocates have also led grassroots campaigns to put measures on state ballots to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution.

In four states — California, Michigan, Ohio and Vermont — measures to amend the state constitutions to enshrine abortion protections passed,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/dashboard/ballot-tracker-status-of-abortion-related-state-constitutional-amendment-measures/" target="_blank">according to health policy organization KFF’s abortion ballot tracker.&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>There are currently seven states with citizen-initiated measures on the ballot in November that will protect abortion access, in Arizona, Nevada, Montana, South Dakota, Colorado, Missouri and Florida.

Hochul said that after the Supreme Court’s ruling, the first thing she did was go to a vigil.

Hochul said she called the state legislature back for an emergency session to pass legislation to protect medical professionals and patients who travel to New York to access abortion care.

“We let women from other states know this is a safe harbor for you to come here,” she said. “I’m going to fight like hell to get back (abortion rights) for my granddaughter.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724328694166.png" alt=" Kansas Gov. and DGA chairwoman Laura Kelly during a Democratic Women Governors panel with Julia Louis-Dreyfus on Aug. 21, 2024, at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago (Ariana Figueroa/States Newsroom)." />
 <figcaption> Kansas Gov. and DGA chairwoman Laura Kelly during a Democratic Women Governors panel with Julia Louis-Dreyfus on Aug. 21, 2024, at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago (Ariana Figueroa/States Newsroom).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>CHICAGO — Actress and climate activist Julia Louis-Dreyfus asked eight Democratic women governors Wednesday if she would be ready for public office after playing a vice president and president on the hit cable TV show “Veep.”“You’re more qualified than Donald Trump, don’t worry about it,” New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul quickly replied, to laughter in the packed room.Louis-Dreyfus moderated a panel made up of the Democratic women governors at the Democratic National Convention. The political leaders in their roughly hour-long discussion touched on the unique benefits of being a woman in politics, and talked about how they are planning for potential interference and problems in the upcoming presidential elections.<h2>Fake electors</h2>Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs said she’s working closely with the secretary of state and attorney general to ensure that Arizona’s electoral votes are cast and to prepare for “every single scenario that comes our way.”“I think the challenges that we saw in 2020 are going to look like kindergarten compared to what we see now,” she said. “But we are ready.”<a href="https://azmirror.com/2024/04/25/who-are-the-five-unindicted-co-conspirators-in-arizonas-fake-elector-criminal-case/" target="_blank">A grand jury indicted 18 people in a fake elector scheme</a>&nbsp;that aimed to install Donald Trump as president after he lost the state of Arizona in the 2020 election.Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer faced a similar scenario, in which&nbsp;<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2024/05/28/exams-begin-for-next-group-of-people-charged-in-fake-electors-scheme/" target="_blank">six individuals now face felony charges</a>&nbsp;for submitting false electoral votes for Trump in 2020.Whitmer said her state legislature has worked to pass legislation to protect election workers and make it easier for people to partake in early voting.“We know that there are going to be all sorts of efforts” to influence the results, she said.Louis-Dreyfus noted during Whitmer’s term she’s had to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, natural disasters and an attempted kidnapping and assassination plot.“How do you stay afloat … under those circumstances?” she asked.Whitmer said she keeps a gratitude journal and every day writes down three things that give her joy. She said sometimes the list stretches to 10 items, but other days it is not so long.“Some days it is just my dog and my bed and tequila,” she said.<h2>Women in state and local politics</h2>Louis-Dreyfus asked why it was important to support women down the ballot, and not just on the national level.Hobbs said early support is important, and noted that’s how Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, got her start as a San Francisco district attorney in 2003.“Down ballot races are critical,” Hobbs said.Several of the governors agreed, noting that’s how they were able to enter politics, through their local elections.Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said she got her start in the state legislature. Kotek was the longest-serving speaker in the Oregon House of Representatives and the first openly lesbian speaker, elected in 2013.“When I became speaker, all the other leadership at the time was male, and you notice when you’re the only one in the room,” she said.It’s an occurrence that Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey knows, noting last year she became the first woman and open member of the LGBTQ community elected governor in her state.Whitmer said as a woman in politics, she was often underestimated, which she said she sees as a strength, rather than a limitation.“There are a lot of different ways that we are treated as compared to male candidates, but I would also say that it is a huge advantage to be underestimated,” she said.Kansas Gov. and Democratic Governors Association Chair Laura Kelly said she thinks the underestimation that women face in politics “will fade away over time.”Whitmer nodded: “With President Harris, it will.”Louis-Dreyfus, who is also a comedian and starred in “Seinfeld,” asked how humor can find a place in politics.“I think humor is an effective tool when things are hot and tense,” New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said.Louis-Dreyfus asked the governors why are Republicans “so f****** weird?”Maine Governor Janet Mills laughed and said she knows Republicans in her state who are planning to vote for Harris because “they don’t have a place to go.”“They’re not all weird,” she said. “They know the traditional (Republican) party is not about Trump.”<h2>Reproductive rights</h2>Louis-Dreyfus asked how the overturning of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision has affected abortion access in the governors’ states.Since the conservative Supreme Court struck down the constitutional right to an abortion two years ago, Democrats have campaigned on it at the state and federal level. Reproductive right advocates have also led grassroots campaigns to put measures on state ballots to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution.In four states — California, Michigan, Ohio and Vermont — measures to amend the state constitutions to enshrine abortion protections passed,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/dashboard/ballot-tracker-status-of-abortion-related-state-constitutional-amendment-measures/" target="_blank">according to health policy organization KFF’s abortion ballot tracker.&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>There are currently seven states with citizen-initiated measures on the ballot in November that will protect abortion access, in Arizona, Nevada, Montana, South Dakota, Colorado, Missouri and Florida.Hochul said that after the Supreme Court’s ruling, the first thing she did was go to a vigil.“It broke my heart,” she said.Hochul said she called the state legislature back for an emergency session to pass legislation to protect medical professionals and patients who travel to New York to access abortion care.“We let women from other states know this is a safe harbor for you to come here,” she said. “I’m going to fight like hell to get back (abortion rights) for my granddaughter.”

Democratic women governors showcased at DNC event with ‘Veep’ star Julia Louis-Dreyfus

DOUGLAS COUNTY —A family of three, including a baby, is safe after officers broke through a window to help them escape the room they barricading themselves in to get away from a man with a knife on the other side of a door, according to the Lawrence Police Department.

Just before 3a.m. Wednesday, the woman called 911 but didn’t say much.  Officers rushed to the 3100 block of W. 22nd and attempted to enter the front of the residence.

 After receiving no answer, they climbed the fence around back and eventually window shades opened, and officers saw the family inside. 

The woman had her entire body pushed against an interior door.  Officers motioned to the man to open the window, but he wasn’t able. Both appeared the be in a state of panic. 

 Officers broke the window and were able to safely help the family climb out.  Once the family was safe, officers entered the apartment with the couple’s key and found a man armed with a knife who refused to drop his weapon. 

After repeated requested, an officer deployed a taser.  The man was taken into custody, then to the hospital to be checked out as a precaution, before being booked into the Douglas County Correctional Facility. 

The family told police they had just met the man that evening.  One officer went to the hospital and received stitches for a hand injury but was expected back at work Wednesday night.

DOUGLAS COUNTY —A family of three, including a baby, is safe after officers broke through a window to help them escape the room they barricading themselves in to get away from a man with a knife on the other side of a door, according to the Lawrence Police Department.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FLawrenceKansasPolice%2Fvideos%2F1546901712844180%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=1" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Just before 3a.m. Wednesday, the woman called 911 but didn’t say much. Officers rushed to the 3100 block of W. 22nd and attempted to enter the front of the residence. After receiving no answer, they climbed the fence around back and eventually window shades opened, and officers saw the family inside. The woman had her entire body pushed against an interior door. Officers motioned to the man to open the window, but he wasn’t able. Both appeared the be in a state of panic. Officers broke the window and were able to safely help the family climb out. Once the family was safe, officers entered the apartment with the couple’s key and found a man armed with a knife who refused to drop his weapon. After repeated requested, an officer deployed a taser. The man was taken into custody, then to the hospital to be checked out as a precaution, before being booked into the Douglas County Correctional Facility. The family told police they had just met the man that evening. One officer went to the hospital and received stitches for a hand injury but was expected back at work Wednesday night.

🎥Officers rescue Kan. family from a man with a knife in their home

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.&nbsp;

Just after 4p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a shooting&nbsp;in the 8600 block of North Boardwalk Avenue, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

The initial investigation indicates that the shooting followed a verbal dispute in the parking lot. The victim is an adult male and a suspect was detained near the scene.

Authorities interviewed witnesses, collected evidence and are reviewing surveillance footage.&nbsp; Police have not released the identity of the man who died.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Homicide detectives at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724292793851.png" alt="Photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.&nbsp;Just after 4p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a shooting&nbsp;in the 8600 block of North Boardwalk Avenue, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.The initial investigation indicates that the shooting followed a verbal dispute in the parking lot. The victim is an adult male and a suspect was detained near the scene.Authorities interviewed witnesses, collected evidence and are reviewing surveillance footage.&nbsp; Police have not released the identity of the man who died.Anyone with information is urged to contact Homicide detectives at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

Man dead after shooting outside Kansas City shopping center

CHICAGO —Minnesota Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tim-walz">Tim Walz</a>&nbsp;accepted his party's nomination for vice president Wednesday night at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/democratic-national-convention">Democratic National Convention</a>.&nbsp;Bill Clinton, the nation's 42nd president, and Oprah Winfrey also were among the featured speakers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724321278705.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO —Minnesota Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tim-walz">Tim Walz</a>&nbsp;accepted his party's nomination for vice president Wednesday night at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/democratic-national-convention">Democratic National Convention</a>.&nbsp;Bill Clinton, the nation's 42nd president, and Oprah Winfrey also were among the featured speakers.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Tim_Walz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Tim_Walz</a>: &quot;It&#39;s the honor of my life to accept your nomination for vice president of the United States.&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DNC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DNC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DNCConvention?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DNCConvention</a> <a href="https://t.co/d0H937CWBV">pic.twitter.com/d0H937CWBV</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1826461306938917223?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Tim_Walz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Tim_Walz</a> on reproductive freedom: &quot;It took Gwen and I years but we had access to fertility treatments and when our daughter was born, we named her Hope. Hope, Gus and Gwen, you are my entire world and I love you!&quot; <a href="https://t.co/v881Wq3QRm">pic.twitter.com/v881Wq3QRm</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1826476167458947211?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Stevie Wonder speaks and performs &quot;Higher Ground&quot; at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DNC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DNC</a>. <a href="https://t.co/QsDRqZeYCA">pic.twitter.com/QsDRqZeYCA</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1826429321507958986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Oprah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Oprah</a>: Soon, and very soon, we&#39;re going to be teaching our daughters and sons about how this child of an Indian mother &amp; a Jamaican father, two idealist energetic immigrants...how this child grew up to become the 47th president of the United States. That is the best of America. <a href="https://t.co/WCY4xwPnvX">pic.twitter.com/WCY4xwPnvX</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1826452010897408007?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former President <a href="https://twitter.com/BillClinton?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BillClinton</a> addresses <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DNC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DNC</a> – LIVE on C-SPAN <a href="https://t.co/g1TYhenzmT">https://t.co/g1TYhenzmT</a> <a href="https://t.co/oZOYYbXiVs">pic.twitter.com/oZOYYbXiVs</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1826429602920530072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/BillClinton?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BillClinton</a> on Kamala Harris: &quot;When she was young, she worked at McDonald&#39;s...I will be so happy when she actually enters the White House as president because she will break my record as the president who spent the most time at <a href="https://twitter.com/McDonalds?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@McDonalds</a>. <a href="https://t.co/OcMGynwe7t">pic.twitter.com/OcMGynwe7t</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1826438561186677103?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥 Highlights of 3rd night of Democratic National Convention

KANSAS CITY —The Kansas City Pet Project Animal Services Division rescued 31 animals from a property in historic northeast area of Kansas City, Missouri, where they were found living in deplorable conditions, according to a social media report.

The animals—8 ducks, 6 roosters, 8 hens, 8 cats, and 1 pigeon—were surrendered by their owner. One duck had to be euthanized due to its injuries, and one kitten passed away. Several of the cats are sick and receiving medical attention. KC Pet Project found placement for most of the birds. There are roosters that are available for adoption.

Animal Services officers responded to complaints about potential neglect of the animals. Their investigation uncovered that the property was littered with trash, animal carcasses, and dead birds. The living animals were found in inadequate housing with no access to water or ventilation and displayed signs of neglect. These circumstances are not only inhumane but also in violation of the city code.

In addition to rescuing the animals, Animal Services will be issuing citations to the owner for multiple violations, including failure to provide adequate care. The owner also has outstanding warrants related to prior animal-related offenses.

“We are grateful to our officers who continued to investigate this case and glad to have these animals in our care now, where they will receive the attention and love they deserve," said Tori Fugate, chief communications officer at KC Pet Project. 

"We set up little pools of water for the ducks and it was a heartwarming scene to see them immediately jump into the water to clean themselves off. This case is another example of why it is important to report any suspected cases of animal neglect to help us protect animals who cannot speak for themselves."

Some of the animals on the property could not be captured, so officers will continue to visit the property to work to capture them. 

If you are interested in adopting the roosters, you may visit them starting August 20th at the KC Campus for Animal Care, located at 7077 Elmwood Avenue.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724290125314.png" alt="Photos KC Pet Project" />
 <figcaption>Photos KC Pet Project</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —The Kansas City Pet Project Animal Services Division rescued 31 animals from a property in historic northeast area of Kansas City, Missouri, where they were found living in deplorable conditions, according to a social media report.The animals—8 ducks, 6 roosters, 8 hens, 8 cats, and 1 pigeon—were surrendered by their owner. One duck had to be euthanized due to its injuries, and one kitten passed away. Several of the cats are sick and receiving medical attention. KC Pet Project found placement for most of the birds. There are roosters that are available for adoption.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724290257543.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Animal Services officers responded to complaints about potential neglect of the animals. Their investigation uncovered that the property was littered with trash, animal carcasses, and dead birds. The living animals were found in inadequate housing with no access to water or ventilation and displayed signs of neglect. These circumstances are not only inhumane but also in violation of the city code.In addition to rescuing the animals, Animal Services will be issuing citations to the owner for multiple violations, including failure to provide adequate care. The owner also has outstanding warrants related to prior animal-related offenses.“We are grateful to our officers who continued to investigate this case and glad to have these animals in our care now, where they will receive the attention and love they deserve," said Tori Fugate, chief communications officer at KC Pet Project. "We set up little pools of water for the ducks and it was a heartwarming scene to see them immediately jump into the water to clean themselves off. This case is another example of why it is important to report any suspected cases of animal neglect to help us protect animals who cannot speak for themselves."Some of the animals on the property could not be captured, so officers will continue to visit the property to work to capture them. If you are interested in adopting the roosters, you may visit them starting August 20th at the KC Campus for Animal Care, located at 7077 Elmwood Avenue.

31 animals rescued from 'deplorable conditions' in Kansas City

ELLSWORTH COUNTY —Drivers continue traveling far above the posted speed limits across Kansas. Since August 19, the Kansas Highway Patrol reported on social media five instances of driver stopped and cited for speeds well over 100mph

On Wednesday KHP Lieutenant Davis stopped a driver traveling 104 mph in a 75 mph zone in Dickinson County. 

Excessive speed endangers everyone. Please slow down and drive safely.&nbsp;Report aggressive drivers on the highways to *47.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724271796346.png" alt="photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLSWORTH COUNTY —Drivers continue traveling far above the posted speed limits across Kansas. Since August 19, the Kansas Highway Patrol reported on social media five instances of driver stopped and cited for speeds well over 100mphOn Wednesday KHP Lieutenant Davis stopped a driver traveling 104 mph in a 75 mph zone in Dickinson County. Excessive speed endangers everyone. Please slow down and drive safely.&nbsp;Report aggressive drivers on the highways to *47.

KHP reports driver traveling 104mhp in a 75mph zone

JOHNSON COUNTY —A Kansas man is going to prison for a 2022 killing at a Kansas gas station.

Last week, Judge Michael Joyce sentenced 27-year-old Zarrell Finley to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 50-years, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.

In July, a jury found Finley guilty of first degree murder.

Just before 4:30p.m. July 31, 2022, police responded to report of a shooting at a BP gas station in the 8600 Block of College Boulevard, according to a media release from Overland Park police.

They found&nbsp; 26-year-old Shaquille Jackson of Kansas City, Missouri with a gunshot wound. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

An FBI Fugitive task force tracked Finley down and arrested him.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723816973690.png" alt="Finley-photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Finley-photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —A Kansas man is going to prison for a 2022 killing at a Kansas gas station.Last week, Judge Michael Joyce sentenced 27-year-old Zarrell Finley to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 50-years, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.In July, a jury found Finley guilty of first degree murder.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723924030852.png" alt="Police on the scene of the fatal shooting investigation -Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the fatal shooting investigation -Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 4:30p.m. July 31, 2022, police responded to report of a shooting at a BP gas station in the 8600 Block of College Boulevard, according to a media release from Overland Park police.They found&nbsp; 26-year-old Shaquille Jackson of Kansas City, Missouri with a gunshot wound. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.An FBI Fugitive task force tracked Finley down and arrested him.&nbsp;

Hard 50: Man sentenced for killing at Kansas gas station

SHAWNEE COUNTY –Law enforcement authorities investigating a jewelry store theft asked the public for help to identify a suspect.

Just before 2 p.m. Monday, the suspect involved in this incident, identified as Javier Hernandez, 31, of Topeka, turned himself in to the Shawnee County Law Enforcement Center.

He was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charges that include 13 counts of of Theft; Shoplifting, according to online jail records.

Just after 4:30 p.m., August 9,&nbsp; police responded to a reported theft at Kay Jeweler’s at West Ridge Mall, 1801 SW Wanamaker Road in Topeka, according to a media release.&nbsp;

 The alleged suspect, as shown in security camera images, left the area in a light blue Chevrolet Malibu with front end damage. He was last seen wearing a purple t-shirt, faded jeans, white shoes and silver chains around his neck. He has a tattoo on the top of his right wrist and on his upper left arm.&nbsp; On August 14, police asked the public for help to identify him.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723667208542.png" alt="Photo Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY –Law enforcement authorities investigating a jewelry store theft asked the public for help to identify a suspect.Just before 2 p.m. Monday, the suspect involved in this incident, identified as Javier Hernandez, 31, of Topeka, turned himself in to the Shawnee County Law Enforcement Center.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724167418130.png" alt="Hernandez photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Hernandez photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>He was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charges that include 13 counts of of Theft; Shoplifting, according to online jail records.Just after 4:30 p.m., August 9,&nbsp; police responded to a reported theft at Kay Jeweler’s at West Ridge Mall, 1801 SW Wanamaker Road in Topeka, according to a media release.&nbsp; The alleged suspect, as shown in security camera images, left the area in a light blue Chevrolet Malibu with front end damage. He was last seen wearing a purple t-shirt, faded jeans, white shoes and silver chains around his neck. He has a tattoo on the top of his right wrist and on his upper left arm.&nbsp; On August 14, police asked the public for help to identify him.

Suspect faces 13 charges for theft from Kansas jewelry store 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide after they found a man's body in the trunk of a car in a vacant lot.

Just after 8a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle in a vacant lot located in the 8200 block of West Irving Street in Wichita, according to police spokesman Andrew Ford.

Officers were directed to a white four door Mercedes and discovered a deceased 39-year-old man in the trunk of the vehicle.

The victim was found wrapped in blood-stained bedding with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper and lower body. His remains were transported to the Sedgwick County Medical Examiner's Office for further examination.

During the investigation, detectives identified the Deluxe Motel at 8401 W. Kellogg Drive as the original crime scene. Police have not released the identity of the victim.

Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact Wichita Police Department Homicide Investigators at (316) 268-4407. For those who wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers at (316) 267-2111

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724266152157.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide after they found a man's body in the trunk of a car in a vacant lot.Just after 8a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle in a vacant lot located in the 8200 block of West Irving Street in Wichita, according to police spokesman Andrew Ford.Officers were directed to a white four door Mercedes and discovered a deceased 39-year-old man in the trunk of the vehicle.The victim was found wrapped in blood-stained bedding with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper and lower body. His remains were transported to the Sedgwick County Medical Examiner's Office for further examination.During the investigation, detectives identified the Deluxe Motel at 8401 W. Kellogg Drive as the original crime scene. Police have not released the identity of the victim.Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact Wichita Police Department Homicide Investigators at (316) 268-4407. For those who wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers at (316) 267-2111

Kansas homicide: Body found in trunk of car in vacant lot

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/skychadde/">SKY CHADDE</a>&nbsp;

Agribusiness giant Bayer won a legal victory last week in long-running litigation over whether its popular Roundup pesticide has caused cancer.

The case started in 2019, when a husband and wife in Pennsylvania sued Missouri-based Monsanto, which Bayer purchased in 2018, and alleged the company had violated state law by not including a cancer warning label on Roundup. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which regulates pesticides, did not make the company add such a warning.

On Aug. 15, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, based in Pennsylvania,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10041458/david-schaffner-jr-v-monsanto-corp/?q=bayer&amp;type=o&amp;order_by=dateFiled%20desc&amp;stat_Precedential=on" target="_blank">ruled</a>&nbsp;the federal law governing pesticides — the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, or FIFRA — requires “nationwide uniformity” over pesticide regulation. The state of Pennsylvania did not have authority in the case, the court decided.

The appeals court decision in Pennsylvania conflicts with another decision made earlier this year in Atlanta,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2024/08/16/bayer-roundup-appeal-victory-compels-review.html" target="_blank">according to the St. Louis Business Journal</a>.

In February, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit ruled FIFRA did not preempt state law. Georgia’s law on warning residents about possible harms from pesticides was “fully consistent with” the federal law, according to the Business Journal.

Because the decisions conflict with each other, that could lead to the U.S. Supreme Court stepping in,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/legal/bayer-wins-victory-us-legal-battle-against-roundup-cancer-claims-2024-08-15/" target="_blank">according to Reuters</a>.

Bayer told Reuters the Supreme Court should “settle this important issue of law.”

In 2020, Bayer settled most of its Roundup litigation for about $10 billion, but some cases still remain active. After news of the legal victory, Bayer’s stock price surged,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/bayer-surges-after-roundup-appeal-wins-in-philadelphia-court/ar-AA1oSmvq" target="_blank">according to Bloomberg</a>. It had been slumping over the past year.

This&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/2024/08/19/bayer-notches-win-in-roundup-litigation/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/" target="_blank">Investigate Midwest</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593022262288.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/skychadde/">SKY CHADDE</a>&nbsp;Agribusiness giant Bayer won a legal victory last week in long-running litigation over whether its popular Roundup pesticide has caused cancer.The case started in 2019, when a husband and wife in Pennsylvania sued Missouri-based Monsanto, which Bayer purchased in 2018, and alleged the company had violated state law by not including a cancer warning label on Roundup. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which regulates pesticides, did not make the company add such a warning.On Aug. 15, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, based in Pennsylvania,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10041458/david-schaffner-jr-v-monsanto-corp/?q=bayer&amp;type=o&amp;order_by=dateFiled%20desc&amp;stat_Precedential=on" target="_blank">ruled</a>&nbsp;the federal law governing pesticides — the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, or FIFRA — requires “nationwide uniformity” over pesticide regulation. The state of Pennsylvania did not have authority in the case, the court decided.The appeals court decision in Pennsylvania conflicts with another decision made earlier this year in Atlanta,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2024/08/16/bayer-roundup-appeal-victory-compels-review.html" target="_blank">according to the St. Louis Business Journal</a>.In February, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit ruled FIFRA did not preempt state law. Georgia’s law on warning residents about possible harms from pesticides was “fully consistent with” the federal law, according to the Business Journal.Because the decisions conflict with each other, that could lead to the U.S. Supreme Court stepping in,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/legal/bayer-wins-victory-us-legal-battle-against-roundup-cancer-claims-2024-08-15/" target="_blank">according to Reuters</a>.Bayer told Reuters the Supreme Court should “settle this important issue of law.”In 2020, Bayer settled most of its Roundup litigation for about $10 billion, but some cases still remain active. After news of the legal victory, Bayer’s stock price surged,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/bayer-surges-after-roundup-appeal-wins-in-philadelphia-court/ar-AA1oSmvq" target="_blank">according to Bloomberg</a>. It had been slumping over the past year.This&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/2024/08/19/bayer-notches-win-in-roundup-litigation/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/" target="_blank">Investigate Midwest</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.<figure>
 <img src="https://investigatemidwest.org/?republication-pixel=true&amp;post=747714&amp;ga4=G-R9VE8P61LG" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Bayer notches win in litigation over whether Roundup has caused cancer

The language is posted on Election Day at polling places next to sample ballots

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Organizers behind an abortion-rights amendment that will appear on Missouri’s November ballot filed a lawsuit last week alleging the “fair ballot language” written by the secretary of state’s office&nbsp; is “intentionally argumentative” and bound to create confusion for voters.

Amendment 3 asks voters if they want to legalize abortion up until the point of fetal viability. Abortion has been illegal in Missouri, with only limited exceptions for the life and health of the mother, since June 2022.

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/13/missouri-voters-will-decide-whether-to-legalize-abortion-in-november/">certified the measure for the ballot last week.</a>&nbsp;On the same day, the office published on its website the amendment’s fair ballot language statement, which is meant to be posted at every polling place next to the sample ballot.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724262530682.png" alt=" Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft joined the Midwest March for Life on May 1 at the Missouri State Capitol. “I think regardless of what the legislature does, the people of this state – with hard work – can protect all life in this state,” Ashcroft said (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft joined the Midwest March for Life on May 1 at the Missouri State Capitol. “I think regardless of what the legislature does, the people of this state – with hard work – can protect all life in this state,” Ashcroft said (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The language is posted on Election Day at polling places next to sample ballots</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Organizers behind an abortion-rights amendment that will appear on Missouri’s November ballot filed a lawsuit last week alleging the “fair ballot language” written by the secretary of state’s office&nbsp; is “intentionally argumentative” and bound to create confusion for voters.Amendment 3 asks voters if they want to legalize abortion up until the point of fetal viability. Abortion has been illegal in Missouri, with only limited exceptions for the life and health of the mother, since June 2022.Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/13/missouri-voters-will-decide-whether-to-legalize-abortion-in-november/">certified the measure for the ballot last week.</a>&nbsp;On the same day, the office published on its website the amendment’s fair ballot language statement, which is meant to be posted at every polling place next to the sample ballot.&nbsp;The language listed on the secretary of state’s website as of Tuesday reads: “A ‘yes’ vote will enshrine the right to abortion at any time of pregnancy in the Missouri Constitution. Additionally, it will prohibit any regulation of abortion, including regulations designed to protect women undergoing abortions and prohibit any civil or criminal recourse against anyone who performs an abortion and hurts or kills the pregnant women.”&nbsp;“These politicians know that Missouri voters overwhelmingly support Amendment 3,” Rachel Sweet, campaign manager with Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, said in a statement. “So they resort to deceptive and misleading tactics.”&nbsp;Dr. Anna Fitz-James, the named plaintiff in the lawsuit, labeled Ashcroft’s language “unfair, insufficient, inaccurate, misleading, argumentative, prejudicial.”&nbsp;Fitz-James, a retired physician who lives in Missouri, first filed the abortion rights initiative petition in March 2023&nbsp;on behalf of Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, the campaign behind the ballot measure which&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/13/missouri-voters-will-decide-whether-to-legalize-abortion-in-november/">has raised several million dollars this year.</a>“Missourians are entitled to fair, accurate, and sufficient language that will allow them to cast an informed vote for or against the Amendment without being subjected to the Secretary of State’s disinformation,” according to the lawsuit filed in Cole County, which was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/government-politics/abortion-rights-activists-sue-missouri-secretary-of-state-to-strike-wording-for-polling-places/article_dab43350-5f1a-11ef-8629-7f82489338f3.html" target="_blank">first reported by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.&nbsp;</a>Ashcroft, who recently&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/jay-ashcroft-endorses-mike-kehoe-blames-fundraising-for-finishing-third-in-governors-race/">finished third in the GOP primary for governor</a>, has been vocal in his opposition to abortion.“I am appalled that factions want to use the courts to misrepresent the truth to push a political agenda,” Ashcroft said in a statement Tuesday in response to the lawsuit, which also accuses him of pushing a political agenda. “I will always fight for the right of Missourians to have clear, understandable ballot language when they vote on such an important fundamental issue as life.”The abortion rights campaign is asking the court to issue new fair ballot language and order that Ashcroft remove his current language from the government website. A court date has not yet been set.This isn’t the first time the campaign has sued Ashcroft over the ballot measure.&nbsp;The initial ballot summary he drafted to appear on the ballot would have asked Missourians, in part, if they wanted to “allow for dangerous, unregulated, and unrestricted abortions, from conception to live birth.”&nbsp;A Missouri judge in September&nbsp;ruled Ashcroft’s language was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/09/25/judge-rejects-rewrites-summary-for-missouri-abortion-initiative-petition/">“problematic” and inaccurate.</a>Ashcroft appealed the ruling, but&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-supreme-court-wont-hear-jay-ascrofts-appeal-of-abortion-ballot-summaries/">the Missouri Supreme Court denied</a>&nbsp;to take up the case.&nbsp;The new ballot language — approved by Missouri courts — will ask voters if they want to:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>establish a right to make decisions about reproductive health care, including abortion and contraceptives, with any governmental interference of that right presumed invalid;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>remove Missouri’s ban on abortion;</li><li>allow regulation of reproductive health care to improve or maintain the health of the patient;</li><li>require the government not to discriminate, in government programs, funding, and other activities, against persons providing or obtaining reproductive health care; and</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>allow abortion to be restricted or banned after Fetal Viability except to protect the life or health of the woman?</li>
 </ul>